The 2022 Council on Legislation approved an enactment that allows two regions — Great Britain and Ireland and Zone 8 (Australia, New Zealand, and several South Pacific Island nations) — to use a more regionalised approach to support our clubs, members, and communities. Clubs that share a language, culture, or geography within these areas can now apply more local approaches to addressing community and membership needs.

Regionalisation is strongly supported by the Rotary International Board of Directors, which has requested the General Secretary to support this innovative approach and align resources accordingly. 

The Board applauds the Zone 8 regionalisation team for its commitment to significantly increasing the reach and impact of Rotary and Rotaract in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. By actively seeking the input of Zone 8 members and listening to their needs, the team is creating a pilot program with members, not for members. 

Being innovative means taking risks and adapting as needed based on what is — or isn’t — working. Elements of this pilot program will evolve over time, but the goals remain the same: to provide relevant and engaging experiences for current and future members, provide better support to clubs so they can meet their goals, and serve our communities in positive and meaningful ways.